Webb Steel Guitar Operating Manual - page 9
10
EXTENSION SPEAKERS:
Using an extension speaker in conjunction with the speaker in your Webb amp
permits you to play at louder volume settings before speaker-overdrive (distortion) would be experienced. That is
because 2 speakers are sharing the volume output load. [Re-read the section on the Volume Control for
clarification. Also heed the advice regarding phase alignment previously explained.] An extension speaker may be
plugged into either speaker output jack. When using an extension speaker, always be sure to use a true speaker
cable (the common type of electrical cord).
SPEAKER JACKS:
These jacks provide audio output power to your primary speaker and to an extension
speaker system, if you employ extra speakers. Both jacks are always operational, so either can be used. Your
Webb amp will accept a load impedance of from 2 to 32 ohms with satisfactory results. While the power amp
includes a protection circuit that is capable of handling momentary shorting of the speaker leads (but may still
blow an output fuse), it is a good practice to keep extension speaker leads separated and not touching each
other.
Warning: Do not attempt to record out of the speaker jacks, nor connect another amplifier or Slave unit to the
speaker jacks. Extreme electrical damage can occur to those units if you attempt to operate from these jacks!
Remember to review the section on fuses to understand how the Output Fuse works to protect your Webb amp.
POWER CORD:
This is a three-wire grounding cord. No attempt should be made to defeat the purpose of the
ground lug (round terminal) on this cord; it is a safety feature designed to prevent shocking, which could keep you
alive!
POWER SWITCH:
This 3-position, center-off switch was discussed earlier. It functions as a reverse polarity
switch. Under certain conditions, flipping the switch to either "ON" position may decrease input line noise. To
eliminate AC hum, it is sometimes necessary to have matching polarity in every device being used at your
location. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible, and you may have to settle for the least amount of hum you can
get.
AC ACCESSORY OUTLET:
The ideal use for this outlet is for powering your effects and recording devices. It
ensures proper electrical polarity and grounding for minimizing AC hum. Use the shortest cables and power cords
to reduce hum, hiss and other line noises. It is not meant for a coffeepot, or other power-hungry appliances,
including another amplifier! Drawing excessive power from this receptacle will lower the line voltage and diminish
the power available to your Webb amp.
FUSES:
These little puppies can save you a lot of money if you respect their purpose. They are there to warn
you that something is wrong with either the amp circuit or with the power coming from the wall receptacle.
Sometimes a fuse will blow for no apparent reason, but mostly they blow for good reason. Replacing them
promptly will often result in the amp operating with no further malfunction. For example, a short in the speaker
cable can cause the Output Fuse to blow. If this happens, carefully check your speaker cables for a loose
connection or a short (typically an abrasion to a section of the cable). Then correct the problem and install a new
fuse. If fuses continue to blow and there is no short in the speaker cable, your amp will require servicing by a
competent technician.
The Main Fuse protects against a power surge or an electronic failure inside the amp. It is wise to use a surge
protector strip to provide AC power to your amp. If you replace the fuse and it blows again, you likely have an
electrical failure inside of the amp and it will need to be professionally serviced. The power amplifier section of
your Webb amp has an inherent open-circuit protection design, plus current limiting.
Should one of Webb amp’s “fast-blow” fuses blow, do not replace it with a fuse of higher CURRENT RATING, or a
slow-blow fuse. And, don’t do something really stupid and dangerous such as wrapping the fuse in metal foil to
disarm it! Using a fuse other than the exact type and CURRENT RATING listed on the fuse holder may cause
extensive damage to the amp and will void your warranty! Once again, if a replacement fuse doesn’t cure the
problem and you must complete a playing engagement, use another amp (or even use a P.A. system).
Afterwards, contact a technician or the factory for service information. Always keep extra fuses on hand for these
rare emergencies, such as power surges. The Webb designers used a common type of fuse so a Webb amp
owner could easily find them at gas stations, supermarkets, hardware stores, automotive parts stores or even 24-
hour convenience stores.